Former Masters champion Adam Scott has denied any disagreement involving Rory McIlroy on the PGA Tour Board. Scott instead declared that a “positive outcome” had been reached.
Negotiations over a merger between the PGA Tour and LIV Golf have been ongoing for some time, with McIlroy performing a U-turn on his previous stance and now welcoming the idea. Everyone is keen to shape the future of golf in the best possible manner, although it’s expected that disagreements will occur before reaching the end goal. McIlroy’s reported clash with Tiger Woods was exaggerated, according to Scott, who has recently joined a transaction committee with the golfing legends.
“I would disagree completely,” Scott said when being asked about the reported disagreements. “I don’t see it that way at all. It became a bigger drama than was really needed.
“Ultimately we got to a really positive outcome. Tiger and Rory are both going to be right there before anything goes beyond that committee. And I think that’s really important at the end of the day that Tiger has a say in how professional golf shakes out on the PGA Tour, something he’s really influenced the evolution of.”
Woods has been the face of golf for decades, and is one of the most recognisable faces linked with the sport. But Scott believes that McIlroy’s is just as essential, as he is respected more than most active players who are currently in their prime.
“Rory is the most influential active player. Tiger’s not quite as active as Rory,” Scott added. “But Rory’s had a strong voice over the last couple of years. Whatever the result, if they achieve a result together, it’s unquestionable whatever that result is and it’s all positive moving forward.”
Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy have put the reported disagreement behind them
Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy have put the reported disagreement behind them.
The disagreement also stems from six player directors, as the strain of the negotiations are starting to take its toll. Woods, Patrick Cantlay, Jordan Spieth, Webb Simpson and Peter Malnati were all reportedly involved, with McIlroy at the centre of things.
McIlroy remains in talks with the PIF, but resigned from his director role towards the end of last year due to frustrations over a lack of progress. Golf Digest reported that current directors are against a potential return for McIlroy, as the remaining members are close to resolving the current problem.
Scott denies all of this, and believes that they will reach the right conclusion in time. “I’m keen for it to be resolved. But I’m not keen to rush something through that’s wrong,” Scott said. “I’m putting my player hat on. There’s guys’ livelihoods out here and I think the core of our game is great and that will always rise above it if we let it.”
